Masterminds behind some of the most stunning visual effects within the film, computer and animation industries will be flocking to Bournemouth this week.

The third annual BFX Festival will see a series of talks, film screenings and workshops taking place over seven days - with something in store for all ages. 

Here’s everything you need to know about what's happening.

When is it?

The BFX Festival takes place between Monday, September 28 and Sunday, October 4, although the art exhibition will be on display until October 11.

Where does it take place?

The festival will be taking place at the BIC, but events will be taking place in different rooms. Visitors are asked to use the Purbeck Entrance behind the BIC. Workshops take place in the Tregonwell Hall, the Disney Concept Art Exhibition is staged in the Bourne Lounge and the Careers Hub will be in the Purbeck Lounge. The film screenings all take place within the Tregonwell Hall.

What’s going on?

There’s something for everyone with families, students, professionals and hobbyists all catered for. BFX Core is a four-day programme aimed at students, professionals and hobbyists and presentations, workshops and a careers hub. BFX Pro is a one-day conference which will be held on September 28 for professionals, plus there’s a family weekend on October 3 and 4 and various film screenings.

What’s going on during the Family Weekend?

The BFX Family Weekend on October 3 and 4 will see a number of free drop-in events taking place for young people between the ages of five and 18.

View concept art from Disney’s Big Hero 6 in the BIC’s Bourne Lounge from September 29 to October 11. Watch Big Hero 6, Frozen, How To Train Your Dragon 2 and SpongeBob SquarePants cartoons.

There’s also a fun workshop for children and families using stop motion animation techniques, plus the chance to create a 3D character with digital sculpting software tool, Zbrush, in the Purbeck Lounge between 11am and 5pm on the Saturday and 10am and 3pm on the Sunday.

There will be a Microsoft games station including X-Box and Minecraft as well as careers advice.

To go along to any of the events, you’ll need to register for a family ticket.

Visit https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/bournemouthbfx

What films are being shown?

This year four events are taking place:

On September 29, Mad Max: Fury Road is being shown at 7pm. The evening also includes a Q&A session with Sydney Studio Iloura who created some of the film’s most spectacular sequences, including the sandstorm and evil warlord Immortan Joe’s stronghold, The Citadel.

On September 30, enjoy an exclusive Q&A with one of the team from Walt Disney Animation Studios who worked on Big Hero 6 followed by a screening of the film itself.

On October 1, Christopher Nolan’s epic science fiction film Interstellar will be screened. Earlier this year, Bournemouth University graduate Andrew Lockley picked up an Oscar for his for his work in the film when it won Best Visual Effects at the 87th Academy Awards.

Tickets for these three events are £3 or entry is free to BFX ticketholders.

On October 3, visitors will be treated to not one but two films from BU alumni Paul Campion. The film director and screenwriter, who’s previously worked on The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Sin City, will be presenting his low budget horror, The Devil’s Rock, which was shot in just 15 days. He’ll also be showcasing an additional short of his Eel Girl. Tickets for this event are free.